Concerns over potential air quality problems at the Maple Creek Hospital have prompted Cypress Health Region to temporarily close the facility.
The Maple Creek Hospital was closed at 5 p.m. on Thursday afternoon after the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Branch confirmed the presense of asbestos in samples sent to the Branch for examination.
"Due to the concerns over air quality within the building’s envelope, Cypress Health could not guarantee a safe environment and it was determined essential to minimize the risk of exposure to staff, clients and the general public," a Cypress Health Region press released noted.
During the temporary closure there will be no emergency outpatient services, no acute admissions, and no lab/x-ray services available at the Hospital. Arrangements are being made to relocate community health and home care services to another location within the town. In addition, Cypress Health is exploring the option of setting up an alternate emergency outpatient service location to offer this service to the public.
Alternate care arrangements were also made for the existing inpatients in the Hospital. There will be no staff within the building until the situation is further investigated and it is determined to be safe to occupy the building.
The Health Region has contacted outside agencies to assist with the air quality concern investigation and are hoping to have that begin within the next several days.
"Air quality testing will occur as soon as arrangements are confirmed and asbestos abatement processes will follow to remove the exposed asbestos that is present. A final air quality test will be required to ensure the building is safe for services to return to a state of normal operation," the press release stated.
Cypress Health will be providing updated information as it becomes available. Once the air quality testing and asbestos removal processes have been completed, it is the desire to return to normal services as soon as safely possible. Additional details relating to alternate access points for services will be made available.
The public are reminded to call 9-1-1 if faced with a medical emergency. An ambulance will be immediately dispatched to assist with the emergency.
